With the rapid development of FTTX (Fiber to the X) networks, the core device—PLC (planar lightwave circuit) splitter also comes into its golden age. As the market demands growing, PLC splitters offering low insertions loss and minimal return loss are becoming more popular. And have you chosen the right PLC splitter for your networks? In this article, you may find the answer.
Overview of PLC Splitter
A single network interface can be shared among many subscribers simultaneously in FTTX networks, PLC splitters play an important role in such kind of process. Then what is a PLC splitter?
PLC splitter is a better option for application where large split configurations are required. It uses an optical splitter chip to divide the incoming signal into multiple outputs. Generally, PLC splitter composes of three layers: a substrate, a waveguide, and a lid. The waveguide plays a key role in the splittering process which allows for passing specific percentages of light. Hence, PLC splitters offer very accurate splits and a low loss. What’s more, PLC splitter can offer superior optical performance, high stability and high reliability to meet various application requirements. And they are commonly used in data communications, LAN (Local Area Network), CATV (Community Antenna Television) systems, FTTX deployment and WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplex) systems.
Which Type of PLC Splitter Is More Suitable for Your Network?
In passive optical networks (PON), there are many optical important components. PLC splitter is part of them. Choose the most suitable splitter for the network is what most people care about.Have you really chosen the right one? Here are common types of PLC splitter you may need.
Bare PLC Splitter
Bare PLC splitter is a kind of ODN product for PON networks. It can be installed in the pigtail cassette, test instrument and WDM system, which minimizes the space occupation. Standard PLC bare splitters have the same splitting ratio in 1xN and 2xN structure. The splitte ration is up to 1x64. Usually its operating wavelength is from 1260 to 1650 nm. Bare PLC splitter has low insertion loss and high directivity, but it’s relatively fragile and needs to be completely protected by a box body and device.
Blockless PLC Splitters
Blockless PLC splitters work with single-mode fiber at wavelength ranging from 1260 to 1650 nm. They have different types: 1x4, 1x8, 1x16, 1x32, 1x64, 2x4, 2x8, 2x16, 2x32, etc. And their connectors can be FC, SC, LC, etc. Compared with bare PLC splitter, blockless PLC splitter has a stronger fiber protection, because it has compact stainless tube package. In a word, blockless PLC splitters are vital components applied in FTTX projects.
Fanout PLC Splitter
Fanout PLC splitter usually uses 0.9mm buffer fiber, added with a length of ribbon fiber terminated with fanout kit behind the PLC split chip. This kind of splitters can be used in splice closure and optical distribution box. Besides, the splitter ratios of fanout PLC splitters also come in various types such as 1x2, 1x8, 1x64, 2x32, etc.
Tray Type PLC Splitter
Tray type PLC splitter also uses a space saving package which forms factor for better cable management. It is based on the integrated quartz base plate with small size, wide operating wavelength range and high reliability. Besides, tray type PLC splitter adopt a 19-inch design which enables the ports on it to be clearly marked. With this design, faults caused by improper connections are reduced effectively.
Rack Mount PLC Splitter
Rack mount PLC splitter consists of the PLC splitter and the enclosure body. It’s designed to satisfy the needs of high cabling density for data centers or server room, for it’s easy to be installed and supports many types of interfaces such as SC and FC. Rack mount PLC splitters also have PLC splitter ports up to 64 and they are used widely for the indoor or outdoor applications in FTTx projects, CATV or data communication centers.
Conclusion
In summary, this article introduces several common kind of PLC splitters. Of course, there are other types of PLC splitter such as ABS PLC splitter, LGX Box PLC splitter and mini plug-in type PLC splitter. Different PLC splitters have different characteristics which cannot be detailedly described in such a short passage. What we should focus on is to choose a more suitable PLC for our networks and make it work well.
